'Project Runway: All Stars' recap: Finale Part 2

It's down to the wire on Project Runway, and it's between Michael, Mondo and Austin for the grand prize. They've been working on their six piece mini-collections and have hit plenty of snags along the way, but it's time for the moment of truth. The designers will really have to push themselves to ensure that they deliver their very best work at their final runway show, or their dream could quickly be grabbed away.

On the morning of the show, Austin is nervous but confident that he can deliver his message about what a "rock star" he is. Michael C is also feeling good, as he believes that there's nothing else he could do to show the judges what he's all about as a designer. While Mondo loves Michael C and is glad to see him in the competition, he becomes emotional and insists that he wants it more and should be the one to win.

The men arrive at Gotham Hall, an event space where the runway will be held - a special location for the All Stars finale. The space is open and gorgeously laid out, a fact which causes Michael to declare how "blessed' they are to be there. The group shares a hug before getting down to work to complete the final details in the hours leading up to the show. Each designer has his own area to work in, along with his own accessory wall for his model.

Austin has a lot of work left to do on one of his ballgowns and sets to sewing with only two hours to go. He frantically runs around trying to fix the piece, but admits that he's the type of designer who feeds off of the energy of trying to meet such a strict deadline. For his part, Michael's earlier confidence is slightly shaken as some of his pieces fail to fit the models as well as he initially thought.

Joanna comes to visit the men as they rush about, and she is a bit concerned with visible pins on one of Austin's pieces. Michael also voices his frustrations to Joanna about the sizing problems, though she advises him to "let go and let God". When she visits Mondo, he is confident that he is nearly done and so she cleans his jacket with a lint roller to make sure he looks put together for the presentation.

First to show his range is Austin, whose self-titled collection is inspired by a 15th century vampire who now lives in Williamsburg and spends time with her "dandy friends". The pieces are very much in his vein, with a lot of black glitter and lace dresses, form-fitting leather skirts and dashes of color. Austin himself is pleased while watching his collection hit the runway, saying that he feels like he's watching a "Paris haute couture" show.

Next up is Mondo's collection, entitled 'Therapy'. He reveals that he put all of his passion into his work in order to regain his sanity amidst the pressure of the competition. His opening look consists of a shimmery polka-dotted blouse and a slick silver mini-skirt. The other pieces follow suit, with lots of black and white mod print dresses, tops and jackets. The range is cohesive and flows well, and Mondo is happy with the result of his hard work.

Finally, Michael's Serenghetti-inspired collection features plenty of jungle-themed elements, from mini dresses and flowing pant suits to loose fitted tunic tops with animalistic prints. He finishes the line off with a "signature Michael dress" - a white, floor length halter dress. Michael also feels that he did his best to show the judges who he really is as a designer.

The Judges' Panel

Austin

Tommy is impressed with how he was able to put so many pieces together in a short amount of time, calling it "masterful". Isaac thinks he did a really good job, as does Georgina. However, Isaac would also not view it as a singular collection but rather a retrospective of a designer's work over years. Tommy appreciates the "rocky" feel of most of the pieces, but was thrown by the white wedding dress.

Still, Georgina loves it and thinks it's gorgeous, though she does encourage him to watch where he's adding volume. Isaac says that the best part of the collection was that it showed off the quintessential woman, while Georgina spotted a "youthful glamour" to what was actually a haute couture collection.

Mondo

Georgina appreciates Mondo's use of color and graphics, with Isaac adding that the collection was the most cohesive of all three. Tommy in particular appreciates the first look with the polka dotted blouse. Ken really loves the Rorsarch-inspired dress and the fact that Mondo made it himself, plus his attention to detail despite the short amount of time he had to work on it. Angela isn't "crazy" about the lamé look as she does not believe that it fits in.

Michael C

Isaac loves the flowy quality in Michael's dress, but advises him to reign it in on occasion. However Angela sees more to it, calling his work "divine" as he manages to grab the class and sophistication that such a collection needs. Tommy is also impressed with the effort that Michael put into the six looks in such a short period of time and believes that many of his looks could be put on store shelves today and be a sell-out.

The winner is announced

After much deliberation, Angela reveals that both runners-up of the competition will win an all-expense trip to Paris, flying TransAtlantic airlines for a weekend stay at an exclusive hotel in the city. That being said, Michael is announced as the third place winner and his handed his tickets to Paris.

Finally, Mondo is announced as the winner of the competition, leaving Austin in second place. Mondo is visibly emotional by his victory and collapses into tears on the runway.

"Being on Project Runway: All Stars was the hardest thing I've ever done. I thought season 8 was hard, but this was leaps and bounds beyond difficult. Thank you so much!" he says following the win. "I can't take anything for granted. I can't take what I've been given - I can't take my heart for granted. I have to celebrate it or it can be lost forever."